A joint Operation Shanela, led by Ekurhuleni police commissioner Major General Anna Sithole in Dawn Park on May 9, saw 249 suspects arrested.
The operation saw the co-ordinated efforts of SAPS members, the EMPD, Home Affairs, the CPF, Gauteng Traffic, and other law enforcement agencies.
These combined forces converged strategically to tackle criminal activities plaguing the community.
Sergeant Maxwell Mabunda, the acting district communication officer, said of the 249 suspects arrested, detectives across Ekurhuleni nabbed 227 during operations.
“The arrests, conducted from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, targeted individuals involved in various crimes, including contact crimes, contact-related offences, serious crimes, and GBV issues.
“Authorities took decisive action against illegal activities, resulting in them closing three liquor outlets and issuing fines to eight second-hand dealers.
“Additionally, law enforcement officers issued 15 traffic fines totalling R43 100 and arrested nine individuals for drug-related offences, including possession and dealing.”
Mabunda said they made other arrests for undocumented status, illegal liquor trading, and gambling.
“One notable success was the apprehension of two suspects allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Villa Lisa area.
“Intelligence-driven efforts by Crime Intelligence (CI) members, in collaboration with the Shanela team, led to the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of the firearm.”
Mabunda said in addition to the operation, officers did a school search at a local high school to prevent unauthorised items from entering the premises.
“This proactive measure aims to create a secure environment conducive to learning for all students.
“At the end of the operation, a community imbizo was held, giving Dawn Park residents a chance to engage with district management on crime-related issues.
“Sithole expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all involved, emphasising the importance of continued co-operation to uphold safety and security in Ekurhuleni.”
Also Read: WATCH: Operation Shanela clamps down on crime in Boksburg
Also Read: Crime increases in Dawn Park policing area
